This version of the story corrects errors in a previous version.

Harold Lloyd, of Freeland, went to Parkton on June 26 to formally introduce Ellen Sauerbrey to about 100 people attending a meeting of the Northern Baltimore County Republican and Civic Organization.

On the dais at the American Legion hall, the two got into an argument.

"Harold, tonight is a tribute to you," said the former state delegate and gubernatorial candidate -- now President Bush's assistant secretary of state for population, refugees and migration.

"No, it isn't," he said.

"This night is your night," she countered.

"No, it isn't," he repeated.

Yes, it was.

For the next hour, Lloyd, 82, stood at the front of the hall, looking abashed as people sang his praises and presented him with certificates, citations, plaques and other gifts, principally in honor of his 15 years as president of the Republican club.

Lloyd, who was succeeded recently by Eric Daxon, of Sparks, is known for co-founding Property Taxpayers United in 1990, with David Boyd, of White Hall, to fight high property taxes. Lloyd knew all about property taxes, having worked for the state's Department of Assessments and Taxation from 1976 to 1986.

Sauerbrey started the tributes.

"Harold is tireless. He is generous with his time," Sauerbrey said. "He is a quiet, humble man who is a World War II veteran, a historian and a patriot."

The evening was organized by club members Sandi and Gordon Clisham, of Freeland.

"It was the right thing to do and the nice thing to do," Sandi Clisham said. "Harold has helped so many people."

Del. Wade Kach called Lloyd "a conservative who cares tremendously about people and their welfare," and presented him with a resolution from the House of Delegates.

Dels. Bill Frank, Pat McDonough and Rick Impallaria praised Lloyd's public service and gave him citations, as did staffers from the offices of Del. Susan Aumann, state Sen. Andy Harris and Rep. Roscoe Bartlett.

"If you don't stop this, I'll think I died," Lloyd quipped.

But the speakers kept coming.

Councilman Bryan McIntire, former Councilman Don Mason and Judge Pat Stringer, on behalf of the county Circuit Court, took to the podium.

Former Gov. Bob Ehrlich had sent a gold pin embossed with Maryland's seal, which Lloyd wore that night.

Lloyd's former colleague, John Sullivan, director of the Department of Assessments and Taxation, sent a two-page letter that was read aloud.

"He became the voice of the department ... . He actually explained what we did in terms that all could relate to," Sullivan wrote.

Lloyd was born on Flag Day -- June 14, 1926 -- in Grand Rapids, Mich. At 15, he moved to Maryland and attended Baltimore City College High School.

Drafted into the Army at 18, he saw combat with the 42nd Infantry division in France, Germany and Austria.

He never married, but built a house in Idlewylde, near Towson, where he lived with his mother until her death in 1975. He then moved to a 7-acre farm in Freeland where he now lives with an assortment of animals, including a donkey.

Lloyd said he will continue to attend Republican and Civic Organization meetings, but will enjoy being in the audience -- not at the podium.

He also continues to offer his services, at no charge, to North County residents who want to appeal their property tax assessments.

---

user comments (0)